John Gates papers

Scope and Contents: John Gates volunteered in 1937 for service with the International Brigades in Spain. Starting as a private at Pozoblanco, he was rapidly promoted, becoming lieutenant colonel at the age of 24, the highest ranking American officer in Spain. He was appointed Political Commissar of the 15th International Brigade. During World War II he joined the 101st Airborne and dropped repeatedly behind Nazi lines in Germany. Having joined the Communist Party at age 17, Gates eventually became the Editor Chief of The Daily Worker. He was one of the Communist leaders convicted in 1949 under the Smith Act for; conspiracy to teach and advocate the overthrow of the United States Government. He resigned from the party in 1958 and applied for a presidential pardon in 1966 to President Johnson. He was eventually granted a full and unconditional pardon by President Nixon in 1970.